How to send money abroad without losing a fortune to fees
The real cost is usually hidden in the exchange rate, not the 'fee'.
Market Minute · Updated June 2026
When you send money to another country, a headline 'no fee' is often a trick - the real cost is hidden in a marked-up exchange rate. The number to compare is how much of the other currency the recipient actually receives.
Look for services that use the 'mid-market rate' (the real rate you see on Google) and charge a small, visible fee on top, instead of burying their margin in a worse rate.
A multi-currency account helps if you get paid or spend in more than one currency - you hold balances and convert when the rate looks good, rather than every single time.
Quick checklist: compare the amount received (not the advertised fee), check the transfer speed, and make sure the service is regulated where you live.